John Harbord

John is a public policy, stakeholder engagement and industry leadership specialist with extensive experience across the public and private sectors. His work has included leading complex negotiations, advising senior government leaders and representing industry interests to achieve effective policy and regulatory outcomes.

John has held a number of senior leadership positions. He served for 11 years as Chair of the Major Electricity Users' Group, is Executive Director of the New Zealand Shipping Federation and was previously a partner at consultancy SenateSHJ. He also spent five years as Chief Crown Negotiator for the settlement of historic Treaty of Waitangi claims and served as a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir John Key.

John was appointed Chair of the Electricity Authority by the Minister for Energy and commenced a three-year term on 15 July 2026.